Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1887-02-26
LEXINGTON AND THE MISSOURI
PACIFIC.

of their origin.
Just now it appears to us to be, .di-
rected from headquarters even into
Lexington, and portentous rnmors are
the consequence.
A mild attempt has been made to
discipline the Intelligencer.
In addition, we are told that Il cer-
tain railway corporation, let us be
plain about it and call things by their
right names, the Missouri Pacific Rail
road Company, is angry with Lexing-
ton, and would, if it could, avoid this
place with its newly projected road;
that it would if it could pull out its
mining plant from here; that it has
been prosecuted by one man here III
the selfish desire to force the purchase
from him of his mining property, by
what must be inferred is a species of
blackmail; that public sentiment has
been SO influenced as to sustain the per-
secution of the railroad; that this senti-
nent arrays the railroad against the
place and thereby does it harm, etc.
May b~e-perhaps; but it is singular
that these things should be talked of
now, months after they were actively
before the public.
A little frank talk sometimes does a
great deal of good, and we will en-
deayor to write a few words plainly
and unimpassionedly.
The In%telligencer is a very independ-
ent newspaper. 1t has but one guide
OF action, and that is the Judgment
and conscience of its editor. The man
who asserts that it has ver under his
control been selfishly Influenced is eth
er lying to secure some purpose of his
own, or influenced to misrepresenta-
ton by a prejudice. 1t has defended
corporations when in the right, against
public clamor, as freely as it has con-
demned corporations when in the
wrong, against the power which is
given to them by their wealth and
never ccasing vigilance. AS for any
personal quarrels which may exist be-
tween the Missouri Pacific Railway
Company and an individual in Lexing-
ton it is but little concerned, except in
Solar a. such quarrel may be a matter
which involves the public as well. 1t
has no doubt expressed views that
were unpleasant to the railroad COM
pany. That is its right. On the other
hand it has at other times uttered
opinions which were in the direct in
terest of that corporation, when it
thought it its duty to do SO. 1t has
printed communications which were
opposed to the practices of the rail-
road; but as virulent and personal a
communication as any that has appeared
| in its columns was one which was writ
| ten on behalf of the railroads mining
company and directed against the edi-
tor. This paper is nc mans attorney.
1t does not print one line in its editor
ial columns for hire, either directly or
indirectly for any mans money or for
railroad passes. 1t hates demsgogy-
either that which poses before the
masses, or the meaner cringing, which
bends the supple hinges of the knee to
wealth that thrift may follow fawning
AS to the first, it appreciates that the
people are too busy to reward their
friends, whilst corporations never for
get to punish their enemies.
So much for that.
Now, is it true that Lexington is un-
Justly p%rejudiced against the Missouri:
Pacific Railroad Company?
We do not believe that it is.
1t was not preiudiced when it gave
to that company So 800 to aid in making
the connection of its two branches al
this place; nor has it shown any bad
feeling since the company tailed to
comply with the conditions upon which
that money was given. Its merchants
have not appeared to be angered even
though they have been systematically
overcharged on freights and outrage.
ously imposed upon as to express
charges. On the contrary, they havt
been very patient and accomplishing
To-day it stands ready to do every
thing that is necessary and proper to
encourage the Missouri Pacific Railway
in building its new route through here
to bring machine shops. and in every
reasonable way to cooperate with j
to do d mutually beneficial business.
In everything that is right the Mis-
souri, Pacific will fad the people o
Lexington friendly to it, but farthe,
than that they cannot reasonably be ex
pected to 90.
The complaint against the railway
is, that having made special rates t.
the coal company (themselves) and tc
a private dealer, when these were ex
posed they refused longer to maintain
them. after having bv their own az,
been concluded as to their reasonable
ness; that out of luminosity to one pri
yate shipper thew have pursued q mar
row policy detrimental to the coal IN
~terests of this vicinity that they dis
criminated aoainst all our nr;va,e 90.
onerators. and that tbev ara :, n,